189 Skilled Independent Visa

Achieve Independent Permanent Residency in Australia

Secure your future in Australia independently with the 189 Skilled Independent Visa. Migration Launchpad guides highly skilled professionals through the points-tested visa process, maximising your potential to live and work freely across Australia.

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Overview of 189 Visa

Independent Pathway to Permanent Residency

The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is tailored for highly skilled professionals seeking permanent residency without employer or state sponsorship. Ideal for applicants with strong qualifications and experience, this visa provides direct access to Australian permanent residency.

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Key Features

Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa

  • Direct grant of permanent residency
  • No sponsorship or state nomination required
  • Points-based invitations issued through SkillSelect
  • Family members, including partners and dependent children, can be included
  • Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
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Eligibility Requirements

Essential Criteria for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa

  • Occupation must either be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or fulfil criteria under Specialist or Essential pathways
  • Minimum annual salary requirement (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, TSMIT) is currently AUD $70,000 for most occupations
  • Applicants must demonstrate competent English proficiency unless exempt
  • Completion of a skills assessment may be necessary depending on occupation
  • Employer must hold approved sponsor status

Why Choose Migration Launchpad?

Visa Expertise

Benefit from our team’s specialised knowledge and experience with Australian migration law, ensuring your application is precise, compliant, and strategically aligned with your residency and career goals.

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Tailored Strategies

We use a reverse-engineered approach, focusing on your ultimate objectives, to create personalised visa pathways perfectly matched to your unique circumstances.

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Complete Support

Enjoy complete end-to-end management of your visa process, from initial assessment to final submission, removing the hassle and complexity from your migration journey.

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Efficient Processing

We respect your time and aim to make the migration process straightforward and efficient. Our streamlined methods ensure you clearly understand each step without unnecessary delays.

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Proven Track Record

We have successfully helped numerous individuals and families secure their Australian visas. Our genuine track record demonstrates our commitment and ability to deliver positive outcomes for our clients.

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Dedicated Assistance

Our team genuinely wants you to succeed. We offer continuous, clear communication and assistance throughout your entire journey, ensuring you always have someone reliable to turn to.

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Pathway to Permanent Residency

Clear Transition to Permanent Residency

Many holders of the 482 visa have the potential to transition to permanent residency via the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme after two years with the same employer, provided both the occupation and the employer satisfy specific eligibility criteria. Notably, the Core and Specialist pathways provide clearer and more direct routes to permanent residency.

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Flexibility

Flexible Conditions for Visa Holders

  • Visa holders can change employers, although a new nomination must be submitted and approved

  • Family members, including partners and dependent children, can be included

  • Visa duration and conditions differ according to the relevant stream

  • Renewals and re-applications are permissible under defined circumstances

  • Limited restrictions on international travel

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Processing Times

Typical Processing Durations

Processing times can vary according to the stream, the sponsoring employer and overall application volumes. Generally, processing timelines are:

  • Specialist Skills Pathway: Approximately 7 to 14 days

  • Core Skills Pathway: Approximately 1 to 2 months

  • Essential Skills Pathway: Approximately 2 to 4 months

Need Help Finding Your Visa Path?

FAQs About 189 Skilled Independent Visa

Yes, your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included in your application. They will be granted the same duration of stay, along with full work and study rights in Australia.

The duration of your 482 visa depends on the specific stream and occupation you apply for. Typically, visas under the Short-Term stream are granted for up to 2 years, while visas under the Medium-Term and Labour Agreement streams may be granted for up to 4 years.

Yes, holders of the 482 visa under the Medium-Term or Labour Agreement streams may become eligible for permanent residency through the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa after meeting certain requirements, such as employment duration and employer sponsorship conditions.

Yes, you can change employers. However, your new employer must also be an approved sponsor. They will need to lodge a new nomination for your role. You must not start employment with the new employer until the nomination has been approved.

A skills assessment is only required for certain occupations and passport holders. We will confirm your individual requirements during your consultation and advise accordingly.

Processing times vary, but most applications are typically finalised within 1 to 3 months. Ensuring complete and accurate documentation can help expedite the processing of your application.

If your employer withdraws their sponsorship, you typically have 60 days to find a new employer sponsor or to apply for an alternative visa to maintain lawful status in Australia

Discover Your Ideal Visa Pathway

Take our quick assessment and connect directly with our migration specialists. Together, we’ll identify the visa pathway perfectly tailored to your goals.

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